Team from WMU "wins" race against cancer

May 21, 2002

KALAMAZOO -- A volunteer team of WMU employees and friends
set the record for most money raised in this year's American
Cancer Society "Relay for Life" May 18-19.

About 35 volunteers, mostly staff and faculty, raised more
than $19,300 in the weeks prior to and during the relay held
at Portage Central High School's McCamley Field. The next largest
amount for any team was $12,000. A total of about $200,000 was
raised.

Organizing the WMU team for the third straight year was Carmento
Floyd, wife of the president. She raised more than $3,300 of
the WMU total. Other top fund raisers included Dr. Debra Berkey,
Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Sue
Beougher and Gail Towns, Office of University Relations; and
Gayl Werme, Development Office.

Each team is required to have at least two walkers or joggers
on the track throughout the 24-hour relay. Several dozen faculty,
staff and students contributed by walking or by staffing the
WMU tent. Staff members also decorated the tent with characters
by Dr. Seuss in keeping with the event theme of children's literature.